Taping and mudding is the foundation of a quality drywall finish, and it is especially critical in mature neighborhoods like Kensington. Artista Drywall serves Kensington, Calgary with professional taping and mudding services for renovation projects, wall repairs, and full refinishing. Homes built during the 1912-1955 era often have original taped joints that are failing, seams showing through paint, and plaster-to-drywall transitions that need professional finishing. The quality of the taping determines whether the final painted surface looks smooth or shows every seam.
In mature Kensington homes, taping and mudding work often goes beyond simple joint finishing. Plaster walls being converted to drywall need transition strips and careful feathering to create a seamless surface. Existing tape that has cracked, bubbled, or peeled must be cut out and replaced before fresh compound is applied. Corner beads on outside corners that have been dented over decades of use are replaced and re-mudded. Ceiling conditions also require attention: heritage homes feature high plaster ceilings (9 to 10 feet) with period details; condos have standard 8-foot smooth ceilings; some converted homes have dropped ceilings concealing old plaster. Every pass of compound is feathered wide to create invisible transitions.
Artista Drywall uses a combination of setting compound (for structural repairs and first coats) and lightweight finishing compound (for final coats and sanding) to achieve the best result in older Kensington homes. Setting compound is stronger and resists cracking, making it the right choice for embedding tape and filling deep joints. Lightweight compound sands easily and creates a smooth surface for painting. This two-compound approach is essential for renovation taping where the joint conditions vary from wall to wall.
Kensington is Calgary's most walkable urban village, centred on Kensington Road and 10th Street where independent coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, and restaurants create a vibrant street life. The Bow River pathway is steps away, and the Peace Bridge connects residents directly to downtown on foot or bike. The neighborhood has a creative, bohemian energy that attracts artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want urban living without a car-dependent lifestyle. Artista Drywall has completed taping and mudding projects across Kensington and neighboring NW communities including Hillhurst, Sunnyside, West Hillhurst. Our familiarity with the homes and construction styles in this area means accurate quoting, efficient scheduling, and a finished product that meets the expectations of Kensington homeowners.
What We Offer
Embed tape over all joints and inside corners with base coat compound. Paper tape is stronger than mesh tape and provides superior crack resistance on all joint types. In older Kensington homes, we check for and replace any deteriorated original tape before applying fresh compound.
Additional compound passes feathered wide to eliminate seam visibility in Kensington homes. Each coat is wider than the previous one, creating a gradual transition that is invisible once painted. Full dry time between coats is essential for a quality result.
Metal and vinyl corner bead mudded smooth on all outside corners. Corner beads create a straight, uniform edge that resists impact. We use metal bead for most applications and vinyl for archways or curved corners.
Full-surface skim coat for level 5 or to refresh an existing wall. A skim coat covers the entire surface with a thin layer of compound, eliminating any texture variation between taped joints and bare board for a perfectly uniform surface.
Seal mudded areas before paint to ensure even absorption. Compound absorbs paint differently than bare drywall, so spot priming (or full priming on skim-coated surfaces) ensures a consistent finish when your painter follows.
Common Questions
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